Declan Rice Leads Arsenal to Dramatic Come-from-Behind Win at Bournemouth
The league leaders' revenge tour in recent days has continued. Following dismantling Aston Villa, the turn of Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth to feel the force even after receiving an early lead courtesy of a rare Gabriel Magalhães mistake.
Gabriel atoned with a goal the equalizer, before Declan Rice marked his comeback with a match-winning double to help Mikel Arteta's side extended the gap at the summit to six points.
Mikel Arteta had vowed his players had learned following previous disappointing defeat. Following a sloppy opening 45 minutes, it appeared old habits were lingering. However, a much sharper display in the second period, fueled by the midfielder's dominance, secured another three points propelling a stern warning to their rivals.
Shaky Start and Immediate Response
The day's events had seen their lead trimmed before kick-off. The positive news, however, was their key midfielder passing a last-minute assessment. Perhaps mindful of a crucial clash against rivals, Arteta rotated, as Bukayo Saka and Trossard starting on the bench.
Bournemouth, sticking with the same team, saw Antoine Semenyo nearly make a dream start immediately. Unexpectedly, the opener fell to Bournemouth when a wayward attempted ball fell kindly to the striker, slotting home with ease.
The manager's ire was palpable, however it was the culprit who delivered redemption. After good play on the wing, the ball broke to Gabriel, who lashed home a fierce left-footed finish to make it 1-1.
Rice Rises and Steer the Game
The opening half was far from fluid for Arsenal, as striker Viktor Gyökeres finding it tough and the Bournemouth forward proving a constant menace. Frustration grew at halftime, with Arteta exchanging words with the opposition before departing to the dressing room.
Whatever was said at halftime worked wonders. Almost instantly after the break, a slick move involving Gyökeres and Martin Ødegaard set up Declan Rice, whose powerful drive flew past Djordje Petrovic to complete the turnaround.
The England star wasn't finished, adding a second soon after after exquisite combination play between Saka and Ødegaard. He marked the goal affectionately to a pitchside camera, as Arsenal seemed to be in complete control.
A Tense Finish Sees Out the Win
The home side, to their credit, summoned a late rally. Replacement Kroupi unleashed a spectacular long-range effort which soared past David Raya creating a nervous ending.
The Cherries pressed for an equalizer until the very end, leaving their fans furious when the final whistle sounded during one last attack. However, for their traveling fans, the result was the only thing that counted: another vital points in a relentless title pursuit.